The Ferrari 812’s replacement retains V-12 power without the aid of or turbocharging or hybrid technology.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri integrates deployable flaps into the rear window that help with drag or downforce.
As expected, Ferrari revealed the Ferrari 12Cilindri Friday in Maranello. Offered as a Coupe or Spider, the 12Cilindri models replace the Ferrari 812, and is powered by naturally-aspirated V12 mounted behind the front axle centerline without the aid of turbochargers or hybrid-electric enhancement. Displacing 6.5 liters, the 65-degree V-12 dispenses 819 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and torque of 500 pound-feet at 7,250 rpm. Ferrari says the new powerplant can rev to 9,250 rpm, although 80% of total torque is readily available at 2,500 rpm. It’s mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission first used on the Ferrari SF90 Stradale. Reaching 62 mph requires 2.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of more than 211 mph.
UNDER THE HOOD
Its sleek shape pays homage to the 365GTB/4.
Ferrari accomplished this by engineering the new V-12 to accommodate such revs through the use of titanium connecting rods, which reduce rotating mass 40% compared to steel with the same mechanical resistance. Pistons are manufactured using a different aluminum alloy than before, along with a rebalanced crankshaft – all in the name of cutting weight. A diamond-like-carbon coating is used for the sliding finger followers, a Formula-1-derived technology also shaves weight, reducing friction and dramatically increasing the engine’s mechanical efficiency.
Also, engineers shortened the manifold and plenum while optimizing their profile to allow for the engine’s higher revs.It’s all done in the name of maximizing torque.
Ferrari manages all that power using what the automaker calls Aspirated Torque Shaping, which “improves perception of the torque without impinging on acceleration” in third and fourth gears. But Maranello also uses more traditional methods, such as employing new gear ratios.
The grille has been redesigned, but the face is still recognizably Ferrari
Moreover, the engine is fitted with a variable displacement oil pump that recovers oil and its vapors from the sump, while using an ECU-controlled solenoid valve to control the pump’s displacement in terms of engine revs and pressure, using only the required amount of oil, which saves energy.
Adding to the V-12’s allure is the soundtrack that only a Ferrari V-12 can produce. To ensure this, intake tracts are optimized, while equal-length exhaust tracts and a 6-in-1 manifold for each cylinder bank are shaped to ensure the proper howl is emitted all the way to redline.
And the 12Cilindri’s 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution ensures that putting the power to the pavement should be fun, thanks to magnetorheological dampers and rear-wheel steering. The brake-by-wire system is fitted with 15.7-inch front and 14.2-inch rear carbon-ceramic rotors
A VERY ATTRACTIVE WRAPPER
The cockpit is similar to that of recent Ferrari models.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri’s design emanates from Flavio Manzoni at the Ferrari Style Center, the source of the Ferrari 812’s look. Yet while the 12Ciliindri’s design pays an obvious tribute to the renowned 365GTB/4, it escapes nostalgia through the use of clean, sophisticated, modern form language. Yes, it lacks a traditional grille shape, but its front-end shape leaves little doubt as to what you’re viewing. Out back, you won’t find a rear spoiler. Instead, two active flaps integrate with the rear window, activating when low drag or high downforce is required. And don’t look for round taillights; they’ve been replaced.
The car comes shod with either Michelin Pilot Sport S5 or Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tires; 275/35ZR21 at the front and 315/35ZR21 in the rear. They’re mounted to a wheelbase that’s an 0.8-inch shorter than the 812’s, although torsional rigidity increases 15%.
You could be here.
Inside, you’ll find a dual-cockpit layout similar to that of the Ferrari Purosangue, Ferrari Roma and Roma Spider. The instrument panel features three displays. There’s a 15.6-inch instrument cluster in front of the driver, a 10.25-inch center-mounted screen and a horizontal 8.8-inch display for the front seat passenger. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging are standard. A 1,600-watt, 15-speaker Burmester audio system is optional, in case you don’t like the V-12’s soundtrack.
Prices start at €395,000 for the Coupe, which should arrive later this year. Look for the Spider to arrive early next year, starting at €435,000.
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